When was the last time you actually looked at your roof?
For most Melbourne homeowners, the answer is usually “I can’t remember.” But here’s the thing — your roof isn’t something you should set and forget. Just like your car needs regular servicing, your roof needs maintenance roughly every 10–15 years to keep it watertight and structurally sound.

And if you didn’t know: insurance often won’t cover damage caused by a poorly maintained roof. That responsibility falls on the homeowner — not your insurer. So if your roof’s a ticking time bomb, now’s the time to act before a small issue turns into a costly disaster.

What Roof Maintenance Actually Involves

Roof maintenance is more than just a quick wash. A proper check involves inspecting every key part of your roof’s structure, from ridge caps to valleys and everything in between. Here’s what’s usually included:

1. Rebedding & Repointing Ridge Capping

Over time, the mortar that holds your ridge caps in place breaks down due to age, weather, and natural movement of the roof. This leads to loose caps, cracking, and potential water entry points.

• Rebedding is when we remove the old mortar and lay a fresh, strong base.

• Repointing involves applying a flexible pointing compound (e.g. FlexiPoint) over the bedding to seal and secure the caps.

If this isn’t maintained, ridge caps can shift and create entry points for water — one of the most common causes of leaks in older Melbourne homes.

2. Replacing Broken Tiles

It’s common for older roofs to have cracked or broken tiles — sometimes hidden under dirt, moss, or previous patch-up jobs. Replacing these is crucial to keep water out and protect the structure beneath.

3. Recoating Worn Roof Membranes

Concrete tile roofs are often coated with a protective membrane when restored. Over 10–15 years, this coating wears down due to UV, rain, and Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Once the coating fades, tiles become porous, allowing water to slowly seep in, leading to mould, ceiling stains, or timber damage.
Recoating with a high-quality roofing membrane not only restores the look of the roof but also creates a durable, waterproof barrier that can extend the roof’s lifespan significantly.

4. Checking Rusted Valleys & Installing Weep Holes

Roof valleys are designed to channel water off the roof. In many older homes, these valleys rust underneath the bedding and paint, often going unnoticed until they leak.

• Rusted valleys should be replaced to prevent water from backing up.

• Weep holes need to be installed/inserted in the top line ridge/bedding to let any trapped water escape — this is a critical detail often missed by DIY jobs or cheap patch-ups.

5. Valley or Storm Seal Installation (Bringing Roofs Up to Code)

Many older Melbourne roofs don’t meet current standards. A roofer may need to install valley or storm seals to bring these areas up to modern codes, ensuring proper water flow and protection during heavy downpours.

6. Gutter Cleaning and Drainage

Blocked gutters and downpipes are more than just messy — they can cause water to overflow and damage fascias, walls, and even the foundations of your home. Regular gutter cleaning is a simple but essential part of maintaining the overall structure.

Why Ignoring Maintenance is Risky

If you don’t maintain your roof:

• Minor cracks can turn into major leaks

• You risk voiding your insurance

• Timber battens and ceilings can rot from slow leaks

• You’ll likely face much higher restoration or replacement costs later on

Final Thoughts

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence — and in Melbourne’s wild weather, that’s no small job. By maintaining your roof every 10–15 years, you can avoid costly problems, extend the life of your roof, and keep your home protected year-round.

If you’re not sure when your roof was last maintained, or you’ve noticed cracked ridges, flaking paint, or rusted valleys, it’s time to get it checked.

👉 Book a free roof health check with True Value Roofing today — our team will give you an honest assessment and outline the best maintenance plan for your roof.